FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything worth knowing about working with us — from the first meeting to the keys in hand — and about the rights and obligations of the parties to a transaction. The answers are general and informational — they do not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different, so we will gladly analyse your specific case with you.
01About us
1.Who are you and what do you do?
We are COSMOPOLITAN Real Estates — a boutique real estate agency operating since 2026. We specialise in brokering the purchase and sale of properties, as well as in mortgage brokerage.
2.How big is your team and what expertise does it have?
The agency is run personally by its owner — a lawyer and operations manager with over 25 years of experience in law, finance and management. For financing we work with a permanent partner — a mortgage expert. We handle every project personally, from the first meeting to the handover of the keys — which is why we work professionally: your referrals matter to us.
3.Can I see your previous references?
As a young agency, we do not yet have references in real estate brokerage. However, in the area of mortgage brokerage we have a great many positive Google reviews. On request, we can also share references provided by other agencies or developers who agreed to recommend our work.
4.What sets you apart from other real estate agencies?
Expertise and professional experience — despite being a young company, we bring 30 years of professional experience.
Multidimensional client service thanks to our background in banking, finance, law and management.
We support you both in finding a property and in financing it, all in one place.
5.Do you work with international clients?
Yes — we serve clients in both Polish and English.
02How we work together
6.What does starting our cooperation look like, step by step?
1. Free consultation — we get to know your needs and goals, and we check your creditworthiness and financing options.
2. Analysis and quote — we prepare a proposal covering the scope of services.
3. Agreement — we settle the terms of cooperation, the billing model and the rules of communication.
4. Getting started — we decide who you will work with and begin the work.
7.How will we communicate during our cooperation?
You get a dedicated real estate agent who is your first point of contact. We usually communicate by phone, email and online meetings on the platform of your choice. We are available from 8:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays by individual arrangement.
8.How much involvement do you expect from me?
For our cooperation to run smoothly we need decisiveness on your side, efficient communication and mutual trust. We will take care of the rest.
9.What happens if my requirements change during our cooperation?
Change is a natural part of any cooperation. We are flexible — we discuss every change individually and work out a solution, at no additional charge.
03Pricing and terms
10.How much does working with your agency cost?
We discuss the commission for handling and brokering the sale of a property with the Seller at the first meeting. The Buyer pays no commission and bears no costs. We also charge no commission for helping to obtain a mortgage.
11.What does the payment schedule look like?
We settle in stages: 50% of the commission upon signing the preliminary agreement with the Buyer, and the remaining 50% upon the notarial deed transferring ownership.
12.What does the cooperation agreement include?
The agreement defines, among other things: the scope of work, the agency's remuneration and payment terms, confidentiality rules, the responsibilities of the parties and the conditions for termination. We work on clear, transparent templates and will gladly go through every clause — including with your lawyer.
13.Can I end the cooperation at any time?
Yes. The rules for ending the cooperation — including any notice period — are clearly set out in the cooperation agreement, and we discuss them with you before it is signed, so that everything is fully transparent.
04Support and aftercare
14.What happens after our cooperation ends?
We stay in touch with our clients — you can always count on our advice regarding real estate and mortgages.
05For business partners
15.Do you cooperate with other real estate agencies?
Yes. We exchange property listings with many agencies and work with developers, banks, property appraisers, notaries and renovation companies. We can recommend a trusted specialist from every industry involved in the process — from finding a property to moving in.
16.Do you have a referral programme?
Referrals from satisfied clients are the best recommendation for us, and we value them greatly. We are currently finalising the details of our referral programme — ask us about the current terms when you get in touch.
06Seller's liability
17.What is the property seller liable for?
The seller is liable to the buyer for physical defects (e.g. hidden technical faults) and legal defects (e.g. undisclosed encumbrances, third-party claims). This liability arises from the statutory warranty (rękojmia) regulated in the Civil Code and applies regardless of whether the seller was aware of the defect.
18.What is the statutory warranty and how long does it last?
The statutory warranty (rękojmia) is the seller's legal liability for defects in the item. For real estate it lasts 5 years from the day the property is handed over to the buyer. To exercise your rights, the defect must be reported to the seller within the statutory time limits.
19.What about hidden defects that appear after the purchase?
If the defect already existed at the time of sale, the buyer may, under the statutory warranty, demand a price reduction or the removal of the defect, and in the case of a material defect — withdraw from the contract. Documenting the defect and reporting it on time is essential.
20.Can the seller exclude the statutory warranty?
Yes — the parties may limit or fully exclude the statutory warranty in the contract (a common practice on the secondary market). However, such an exclusion is ineffective if the seller deceitfully concealed the defect from the buyer.
21.What are the consequences of concealing a defect?
Concealing a defect in bad faith exposes the seller to liability for damages, and a prior exclusion of the statutory warranty does not protect them in that case. The buyer may pursue claims, including through the courts.
07Buyer's liability and obligations
22.What obligations does the buyer have?
Above all, paying the price within the agreed deadline and taking over the property. The buyer should also exercise due diligence — checking the technical and legal condition of the property before the purchase.
23.Does the buyer have to inspect the property themselves?
In their own interest — yes. It is worth viewing the property, checking the land and mortgage register and any encumbrances, compliance with the local zoning plan, and any outstanding arrears. Neglecting verification may weaken later claims.
24.What if the buyer does not pay on time?
The seller may demand payment together with interest, and if a deposit (zadatek) was paid — withdraw from the contract and keep the deposit. The exact consequences depend on the terms of the preliminary agreement.
08The agent's role and obligations
25.What is the real estate agent responsible for?
The agent is obliged to act with professional due diligence: reliably bringing the parties together, assisting in compiling documents and in carrying out the transaction safely — in line with the brokerage agreement and the Real Estate Management Act.
26.Does the agent have mandatory insurance?
Yes. The agent is subject to mandatory third-party liability insurance for damage caused in connection with brokerage activities. This is real, additional protection for the client.
27.What does the brokerage agreement include?
The scope of activities, the amount and rules of remuneration, any exclusivity, and the obligations of both parties. It is always worth reading it before signing — with us, we will explain every clause.
28.Does the agent guarantee the legal status of the property?
The agent exercises due diligence in verification and informs you of findings and risks, but ultimate protection of the legal status is provided by the land and mortgage register system and the notarial deed. Our role is a thorough check and a transparent presentation of the situation.
09Documentation and errors
29.Who is responsible for errors in the documentation?
Each party is responsible for the truthfulness of its own statements. The notary is responsible for the correctness of the notarial deed, and professional advisers (agent, lawyer) — within the scope of the tasks entrusted to them. Careful preparation of documents minimises the risk of error.
30.What documents are necessary for the transaction?
Depending on the property, among others: the land and mortgage register number, the basis of acquisition, certificates (of no arrears, of no registered residents, an extract from the local zoning plan), and for flats — a certificate from the housing community or cooperative. We help gather the complete set.
31.What if there is an error in the notarial deed?
The notary can correct obvious mistakes by means of a protocol, while more serious discrepancies require an annex or a corrective action. That is why we always read the deed together with the client before signing.
10Guarantees and buyer protection
32.How is the buyer protected in the transaction?
They are protected by, among other things, the form of the notarial deed, the entry in the land and mortgage register, the option to use a notarial escrow for the safe flow of funds, and the statutory warranty for defects.
33.What is the public credibility of land and mortgage registers?
It is a principle protecting a buyer acting in good faith based on the content of the land and mortgage register. As a rule, they acquire the property in accordance with the register entry, even if its actual status differed — which is why checking the register before the purchase is so important.
34.Is a flat bought from a developer additionally protected?
Yes. The so-called Developer Act provides, among other things, for escrow accounts and standards for the developer agreement, and the buyer of a new unit benefits from the statutory warranty and a guarantee on the built unit.
11Consequences of failing to meet obligations
35.What are the consequences of failing to honour a preliminary agreement?
Depending on the terms of the contract: loss of the deposit (on the buyer's side) or an obligation to return it in double the amount (on the seller's side), damages, and sometimes a court demand to conclude the promised agreement.
36.What is the difference between a deposit (zadatek) and an advance (zaliczka)?
A deposit (zadatek) serves a securing function: if the buyer fails to perform the contract it is forfeited, and if the seller does, it is returned in double the amount. An advance (zaliczka) is always refundable and does not serve as a penalty.
12Insurance and claims
37.What insurance is worth considering?
Property insurance (structure and contents), and when buying with a mortgage — insurance assignments often required by the bank. The agent themselves holds mandatory third-party liability insurance, which protects the client with respect to brokerage activities.
38.How do I pursue claims for defects?
First a written notice and demand to the seller (ideally with documentation of the defect), then negotiations, and if necessary the court route. Meeting the statutory deadlines for reporting and pursuing claims is essential.
13Common disputes and their resolution
39.What disputes occur most often?
They most often concern hidden defects, discrepancies in the legal status (encumbrances, easements), the deposit and deadlines, as well as the scope of the agent's obligations. Most can be avoided through thorough verification before the transaction.
40.How can a dispute be resolved out of court?
Negotiation and an amicable settlement are usually the most effective, as is mediation. We help clarify the situation and work out a solution before the matter goes to court.
14Financing and mortgages
41.Do you help in obtaining a mortgage?
Yes. For financing we work with a credit and finance expert with over 25 years of experience — our partner, whom you will find in the Partners section. We will help assess your creditworthiness, choose the best offer and guide you through the whole process — from application to the release of funds.
42.What does your mortgage support involve?
We analyse your financial situation, compare the banks' terms, support you in negotiations and in compiling documents, and synchronise the mortgage process with the transaction timeline — so that the purchase proceeds safely and without delays.
Have a question that isn't here?
Get in touch — we will help you analyse your situation and carry out the transaction safely.
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